Featured Operator: CATHERINE SIMMONS
Driving for Jefferson Transit was an opportunity to serve the public and as she says with a chuckle, “I like to talk.” 

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Growing up between Bogalusa and Sun as one of fourteen children, Catherine Simmons had to learn how to get along with people.  “We learned to laugh together and now we’re all there for each other; our family sticks together.” Upon meeting Catherine, it is immediately apparent that this is a lesson she has taken to heart.  Sincere, friendly, and quick to offer a smile, Simmons is a people person.

Catherine’s love and concern for others affects the lives of those around her both at work and in other areas of her life.  As an active member of Jefferson Transit’s Safety Committee for the last four years, Catherine is committed to learning ways in which she can help protect JeT riders and operators.  Deeply spiritual, Simmons is very active within her church and assists with preparing the table for communion each Sunday.  Catherine remains dedicated to her family which has grown throughout the years to include three children, fourteen grandchildren, and many of the people she has met while working for Jefferson Transit.

Simmons began her career as a bus operator driving for an Uptown Catholic school where she had the “chance and privilege of working with little children.”  For Catherine, driving for Jefferson Transit was an opportunity to serve the public and as she says with a chuckle, “I like to talk.” 

During her twenty-nine years with JeT, Catherine has driven all of the Westbank routes including a ten year stint on the Avondale line.  She currently operates the Westbank Expressway route, one of Jefferson Transit’s longest lines, which she particularly enjoys because there’s “more time to meet people.”  Simmons considers her work relaxing as it gives her a chance to unwind.  She looks forward to each day at JeT stating that “it’s like home to me” with coworkers who are “like family – everyone has grown together over the years.”  

Read about some of our other wonderful JeT bus operators.